call me crazy, but...

I don't think I like texas. Or music festivals. or drunk people. or live music in general?

Let me explain.

DAY ONE.

I arrived in Texas around 5 pm on wednesday evening. I immeadiately went to the hotel to meet up with the other Militia peeps - and we grabbed a bit to eat at "Aussies" across the street. I got a blackened catfish sandwich, which was unsatisfactory in every way. We then made our way into down town Austin for the musical goings-ons of SXSW. The Colour played at 7, but I missed their set. Instead, I went to the Beauty Bar for the Atlantic Records party and caught Say Anything (also unsatisfactory). I met a few booking agents, stood around akwardly, and drummed my fingers on whatever surfaces were available to me.

Then I met up with the Colour and we snuck into see Of Montreal at Emo's in Austin. We weren't really into that either and meandered towards the infamous "Red Bull House" - the Austin Mecca of irresponsible drinking and "networking". Due to poor directions and a general sense of exhaustion, I never made it to the Red Bull House. The Colour were kind enough to take me back to my hotel. This was nearing 2 am. Day 1 ends with no real excitement.

DAY TWO.
I meander out of bed around 10:30. Paul and I set about making arrangements for our Militia Group day party at Latitdue 30. We have to get the gift bags together, and this proves to be much more complicated than I imagined. I was starving, but there was no time for food. We got to the venue, stuffed bags, distributed goodies, and walked quickly about as any party planners do the day of a big event. Rory went and got us Chipotle burritos around 1:30 pm. My stomach was grateful. There is general stress about the guest list for the party, our bands start arriving into town -- but with some Jack Daniels and Amstel Lights, everyone seems to mellow out a bit. David Bazan (yes, Pedro the Lion) proves to be a great DJ and the Cold War Kids come around to say hello.

Then we hop about to a few parties -- I catch the Cold War Kids at the Levis/Fader party, some girl rapper at the IHEARTCOMIX party, and my friends Sub Rosa at the Speakeasy. I grab a sub from Jimmy Jons. It was the worst Tuna I've had. Then, its the Militia Group showcase. DUN DUN DUN. This goes off with out a hitch -- the crowd loves it, the bands love it, The Appleseed Cast and I had a few drinks together, and a good time was had by all. I was left with an overwhelming sense of pride for my label and a love for my job. Once again, my Militia co-workers dissapeared but I made it back to the hotel around 2 am thanks to Fielding.

DAY THREE.
Today, I don't leave the hotel till 1 pm. I grab yet another sub (this time, egg salad. and its still terrible) and wander to the Performing Songwriter Party. BORRRRRING. They had incense burning and some terrible adult contemporary band. I went and caught the Cold War Kids again at the Drink and then I wandered with Paul to the Paste party. This proved to be another adult contemporary party (Over the Rhine and Jamie Cullum were playing) with really bad Nachos. Yes, I know I've complained about the food quite a bit -- but let me tell you people, it was BAD. and I was sorely dissapointed.

I caught the Flatstock exhibit at the convention center, which was quite impressive. It was booth after booth of poster art from every different era/artist/genre - and you could purchase most everything there. I bought a print of Johnny Cash's mug shots from prison - it was pink. Yes, I know, how very Warhol of me.

Then, it was our last and final SXSW event -- our Beauty Bar Party with a performance by Brandtson. I was in charge of the list and the door -- so I sat at the front all night and checked people in. It was fun (sortof). I like being in charge and all that, but I don't like being tied down. Eventually, I left my post and let anyone in our party so I could watch Brandtson. That was pretty awesome of me.

The rest of the night I wandered with various friends in various bands. I made new friends, kindof got asked out (by an attractive male), and finally graced the Red Bull House. It was everything I thought it would be and more -- something akin to a giant frat party but with only music industry geeks. I could only take a half hour of its madness before I retired to my hotel. Once again, I hit the sack around 2 am.

So, that was my week. Maddenning and productive all at the same time. It had its moments. I never had real Texas BBQ, so I suppose I will just have to wait for next year.